Completing a deal ahead of Friday’s NBA Draft is far from
certain, however. In exchange for George, the Pacers want the No. 2
overall pick, an asset the Lakers are reluctant to part with.

One team source told ESPN.com there is ‘’zero chance” the Lakers
will include either this year’s No. 2 pick or Brandon Ingram (last
year’s No. 2 pick) in a trade for George.

The Lakers have some leverage here – George has expressed his
desire to join them when his current deal expires after next
season. That means L.A. could wait a year and have a good chance to
sign George as a free agent next summer without having to give
anything up. The Pacers, however, don't want to let him walk
without something in return.

If the Lakers follow that strategy, though, the risk they’d be
taking is another team (Cavaliers, Celtics, Rockets, Wizards)
acquiring George from Indiana this offsesason and convincing him to
sign a long-term deal.